Guardian Glass and Privacy Glass Solutions to commercialize full blackout technology

Photo source

Date: 6 September 2024

Guardian Glass and Privacy Glass Solutions have entered into an agreement for the commercialization of Lyto™, the full blackout, between-the-glass, automated micro-shade technology designed and developed by Guardian Glass.

The innovative Lyto technology provides complete blackout in just a few seconds for windows, doors, privacy glazing in bedrooms and bathrooms, skylights and entry doors. The solution also has huge potential in buildings where control of daylight and the comfort and privacy of occupants is particularly important, such as healthcare and educational facilities.

Guardian Glass has licensed its patented Lyto technology to Privacy Glass Solutions, a pioneering designer and manufacturer of privacy glazing solutions for exterior and interior applications, who will produce and commercialize the product in the United States. The product is expected to be available from Privacy Glass Solutions by the end of 2024. Initially, the product will be available in one color combination, white/off white. Additional color combinations to follow after launch.

The main benefits of Lyto technology include:

Fast and quiet: Lyto technology offers blackout at the touch of a button in just a few seconds. The shade is embedded between the glass and deploys motorlessly and quietly using electrostatic forces. Unlike other integral blind solutions, it has no mechanical parts that can fail due to wear.
Easy to implement and control: with extremely low power demands, Lyto technology does not need to be hard-wired into the main power supply but can be battery-powered. Batteries can last for around 10 months in typical use, but the technology can be upgraded with optional PV-solar power recharging, which eliminates the need to recharge the battery. It can be activated by a manual switch, dedicated wireless remote controls or through connected smart home apps. Various levels of automation are available through the apps.
Low solar heat gain: when deployed, the shade provides a very low solar heat gain. In most configurations, it can block over 95% (<5% SHGC) of the sun’s energy when closed, to help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature when external temperatures are high.

How does Lyto technology work?

The technology is sleek, adaptable, and the shade is completely contained within a double or triple insulating glass unit. With no mechanical parts, this new shade solution isn’t subject to the mechanical failures that can occur with other integral blind solutions. The shade is activated in seconds by passing a small current through the conductive layers creating an electrostatic attraction between the ultra-thin shade and the glass surface.

Kevin Roth, Founder/CEO, Privacy Glass Solutions comments: “Privacy Glass Solutions is thrilled to be chosen by Guardian Glass as the original manufacturing partner for the phenomenal Lyto product. This collaboration perfectly complements our existing product range and reinforces our reputation as innovators. It enables us to enhance our offerings to clients for healthcare, education, hospitality, and residential applications, to name a few. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership brings and are committed to delivering exceptional results with this innovative product”.

Vince Westerhof, Vice President North America Sales, Guardian Glass says: "The Lyto product is new and unique to the glazing market, and Privacy Glass Solutions is a leading manufacturer of privacy solutions for the healthcare market and learning institutions. This agreement exemplifies our dedication to leveraging preferred partnerships to commercialize a technology and provide great market opportunities."

Privacy Glass Solutions will be presenting the Lyto product at the GlassBuild exhibition in Dallas, Texas, from 30 September to 2 October 2024, stand #15004. They will also be showcasing it at the WMA World Millwork Alliance tradeshow in San Antonio, from 6 to 9 October, stand #631.